'Where Have U Been' hitmaker Rihanna has admitted that her relationship with Chris Brown is so different to how it has been in the past now that they're both adults.

Speaking to Elle magazine, the Bajan superstar explained that their time apart was important in order to be able to reconcile:

"We got a fresh start and I'm thankful for that... Right now that's what we want, a great friendship that's unbreakable. Now that we're adults we can do this right."

When asked why she decided to reconnect with the 'Forever' R&B hitmaker after he assaulted her in 2009, Rihanna added:

"I have my own reasons, very, very private reasons. Very personal... (but the) bottom line is I know him. I had a lot to think about and I had a lot of time to think about it. I was trying to do this for myself. You don't have that feeling with everybody so when you have it you don't want to let go of it. I would definitely say that he is the one I have that kind of relationship with."

Watch her performance of 'Stay' at the 2013 GRAMMYs here: